Harvard University Faculty Club, March 11, 2025
Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and friends,
As we conclude today’s roundtable, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all our distinguished speakers, panelists, and organizers. A special thank you to Governor Michael Dukakis, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, and our panelists for their invaluable insights, and to Professor Thomas Patterson and the Boston Global Forum for making this gathering possible.
We were also honored by the participation of Ambassador Đặng Hoàng Giang, whose contributions to today’s discussions reflect the significance of this moment—marking 30 years of normalized relations between Vietnam and the United States.
Throughout today’s conversations, we have explored the power of cinema—not only as an art form but as a way to connect cultures, reflect history, and spark meaningful dialogue. Vietnamese cinema, in particular, has long carried themes of resilience, compassion, and shared humanity. These are qualities that resonate far beyond the screen, especially as we navigate an era of rapid technological change.
The formalization of the Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration and the introduction of initiatives like the AI World Society Nha Trang Film Park signal new opportunities to deepen these connections. While this film park is still in its early stages, I hope that over time, it will also foster academic and creative exchanges, creating new opportunities for future generations to engage in meaningful ways.
As Director of the Vietnamese Language Program at Harvard, I see every day how cultural exchange transforms the way students learn and think. Language is not just about vocabulary and grammar—it shapes how we connect, interpret the world, and engage with different ways of thinking, storytelling, and cultural traditions. Events like this bring those dimensions to life, making connections that extend far beyond the classroom. Initiatives like today’s reflect a growing space for collaboration, where scholars, filmmakers, and innovators can work together to create something lasting.
I hope today’s discussions serve as the beginning of more conversations, partnerships, and creative endeavors. Thank you all for your engagement, and I look forward to seeing how these conversations evolve into future collaborations. Now, I’d like to invite Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, CEO of Boston Global Forum, to share his concluding thoughts before we continue our discussions over dinner.
Thank you.
